Kitten Vaccinations

When kittens are born, they receive some immunity from their mothers. As they are developing, kittens will begin to lose this immunity and will need to start producing their protection against common diseases. Giving boosters of a vaccine is a safe way to expose your cat to common diseases. We prime kittens’ immune systems to start producing the antibodies needed to fend off exposure.

When should kittens get their first vaccination?

It is recommended to have a kitten’s first vet visit when they are 8 weeks of age. At this time, the first FVRCP booster will be administered. This vaccine will require 2 additional boosters to be given at 12 weeks of age and again at 16 weeks of age. Only after all 3 boosters are given is your cat fully vaccinated against FVRCP.

Rabies is vaccinated against when the kitten is at least 16 weeks of age and only requires the one booster.

Feline Leukemia is vaccinated against when the kitten is 12 weeks of age and requires one additional booster at 16 weeks of age.

How often does my kitten need to be vaccinated?

Kittens require 3 sets of boosters in total when they are young. After their kitten vaccinations are completed, the next vaccines are not due until a year later at their first annual exam. At this time, rabies, FVRCP and feline leukemia are readministered.

When your kitten is full grown, feline leukemia and FVRCP vaccines can then be given every 3 years, whereas rabies will continue to be an annual vaccine.

Does my kitten only need core vaccines?

Even if your kitten is going to be a strictly indoor cat with no access to the outdoors or other cats, we still recommend having the core vaccines administered.